The San Antonio Minute: How Has Victor Wembanyama Changed the NBA's Dynamic?

San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama proved he'll be worth the hype on the basketball court, but off it, he's also made waves, according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Matt Guzman | Sep 18, 2024

Jan 31, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots a free throw in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Frost Bank Center. / Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

In this story:

San Antonio Spurs

Victor Wembanyama entered the NBA with a world of expectations, and despite a lowly record for his San Antonio Spurs after one season, what the rookie showed on the court was worth the hype.

What he's done off of it, however? Even better. At least according to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

Speaking after a Board of Governor's meeting, Silver spoke on parity across the league and how Wembanyama helped spearhead its increase. He didn't go a huge-market team, but he didn't need to.

"I don’t think anybody is out there saying there’s a ceiling on Victor Wembanyama’s popularity because he’s playing in San Antonio as opposed to a bigger market," he said.

How much bigger could the Spurs' market get? Are they as competitive as they could be?

Watch the latest episode of The San Antonio Minute to dive deeper:

San Antonio Spurs On Sports Illustrated

San Antonio Spurs Promote Gorgui Dieng to Austin Spurs AGM

'Huge Global Star': How Wembanyama is Spearheading NBA's Competitive Parity

Tre Jones' Role with Spurs: What to Expect in 2024

Published Sep 18, 2024|Modified Sep 18, 2024

MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.